Publishers Clearing House settles lawsuit with Hawaii and other states

Hawaii is one of 32 states and the District of Columbia that will share in a settlement with Publishers Clearing House over allegations that mislead consumers about the chances of winning its sweepstakes.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, who led the investigation, said the settlement filed Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court in Salem requires Publishers Clearing House to boost efforts to inform consumers that making a purchase does not increase their chances of winning.

Kroger said the company, which admitted no wrongdoing, also must hire an ombudsman to review mailings to ensure compliance with the settlement.